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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long does Aubrey think it will be before the Surprise is ready to sail?

2. What do Maturin and Aubrey decide to do about Maturin's purchase?

3. What does Aubrey fear?

4. What do most of the British officers then begin to assume?

5. What are Aubrey and his crew supposed to travel across?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe the men's march through the desert.

2. What does Aubrey do with his prize money?

3. What does Aubrey order his crew to do and where does Aubrey go while they are obeying his order?

4. Who is Mrs. Fielding and how does she and Ponto become friends with Aubrey?

5. What does Aubrey learn about the Worcester and Surprise when he meets with the Admiral?

6. What is Captain Aubrey's specific situation?

7. What is Monsieur Lesuerur doing in Malta?

8. How do the men that respond to Captain Aubrey's summons appear?

9. Why do Maturin and Aubrey argue about the diving bell and what do they decide?

10. What is Ramadan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Loyalty is demonstrated in a number of ways, as is the lack of loyalty. Aubrey's crew slowly deserts him to sign on with other captains during a period of downtime while Aubrey's ships are in repair. Yet, many crew members remain loyal to Aubrey despite not being paid during the down time. Discuss the following:

1. How do you define loyalty? Is the ability and desire to be loyal an admirable trait in humans? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of being loyal to a person? Cause? Country? Idea? What of those who are loyal to something no matter what they learn about that person, thing, ideal, and country or has blind loyalty?

2. Discuss and analyze why you think man of Aubrey's crew remains to be loyal. Is it warranted, wise, or earned? Do you Aubrey is a loyal British subject? What do you think of Maturin? Is Aubrey a loyal friend, husband, or comrade? What do you think about Maturin? Discuss each situation.

3. Why do you think Aubrey is able to elicit loyalty and confidence from the men when they are traveling through treacherous seas and battling other ships?

Essay Topic 2

Treason's Harbour is one book in a series of novels involving Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Discuss the following.

1. What are two advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are two disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Most people and regular soldiers detest spies and the idea of spying. Spies are not considered in the same vein as soldiers in uniform and are not protected by the customs and regulations that govern the treatment of soldiers who are in uniform when captured. Maturin is a spy for the British government. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think spies are not accorded any rights under many countries' laws and/or customs?

2. Even though all countries abhor spies, often even their own, they still spy, and men and women are still willing to be spies. Discuss why you think this is so.

3. Research and analyze the history of spying in either England, the United States or Russia.

4. Does Maturin seem the image of a typical spy as you visualize one? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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